Italy boss Gian Piero Ventura is under intense pressure because of perceived tactical weaknesses but they lost only once in qualifying - a 3-0 defeat away to Spain - and are experienced enough to take the tie back to San Siro all-square.

The Azzurri are solid at the back with Gigi Buffon behind a centre-back wall of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, while Andrea Barzagli could also come into the equation should Ventura switch to a 3-5-2 formation.

Italy are also strong in midfield but where they fall short is in the attacking third. Daniele De Rossi, with 21 goals, is the top scorer in the squad with Chiellini next best on eight and the five forwards have managed a combined total of only 20.

Sweden's three qualifying defeats - to France, Bulgaria and Holland - all came away from home and the tie could go away from them in Milan but before that Italy should be happy enough with a draw.

There's a collective responsibility to Sweden's attack now that talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic has retired and coach Janne Andersson has eulogised over his scoring options, although there is a difference in class between the nations that should eventually tell.